Awards & recognition
About this city
Also known as: Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands
Beaufort is a historic waterfront city located on Port Royal Island in the heart of the coastal Lowcountry region of South Carolina, serving as the seat of Beaufort County. Chartered in 1711, it is the second-oldest city in the state and is celebrated for its remarkably preserved Antebellum residential architecture, grand moss-draped live oaks, and deep tidal marshes. The city strongly embodies classic Southern maritime culture and serves as a major preservation center for Gullah African-American heritage, balancing historic tourism with proximity to vital military installations.
Location & Administrative
Transportation & Accessibility
Weather & Timing
Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 1–2 days
Take a horse-drawn carriage tour through the historic Antebellum mansion district, stroll along the scenic Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, learn about Gullah cultural history at the Penn Center on nearby St. Helena Island, and explore wild beaches at Hunting Island State Park.
